By Brunno Braga, Travel Noire — 22 February 2022
In West Africa secret societies played a very important role within many nations, from mystic and religious to subversive. This tradition was brought to the Americas nearly 200 years ago, more precisely to Cuba, where there is a secret society re-emerging and being embraced by young Afro-Cuban males. Named Abakua, or Nanigas, this secret society — the only of its kind in the Americas — is considered a mutual aid brotherhood. It has been surviving in the port cities of Havana, Matanzas and Cardenas in Cuba, and currently young Afro-Cuban males are finding in it a way to deal with economic difficulties and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Abakua Secret Society, founded in Cuba on 6 January 1836, has its roots in the secret societies that existed in the Nigerian region of Calabar. It is estimated that in Cuba there are about 130 associations. These groups are composed only of heterosexual men who over time lost their secret character but not their rigid rules and principles, and who respect profoundly the concept of protection of the “ecobio,” their brother in faith. Along with Cuban Santeria and Palomonte, the Abakua cult is one of the main religions of African origin on the island, but unlike the other two, it is exclusive to Cuba.
In order to be accepted in the Abakua association, a sponsor is required who swears that the initiation candidate keeps the principles governing an Abakua: being a man, a good son and a good friend. The person is subjected to a verification process on his social and family behaviour and his moral principles. Today this Black religious association in Cuba remains a symbol of brotherhood and fraternity among its followers, who, proud of their heritage, venerate their ancestors.